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There will be many activities for children and adults alike at the second annual Morgan County Heritage Day, taking place this weekend. (Submitted)

Second Annual Morgan County Heritage Day Set For Oct. 15

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This Saturday will mark the second annual Morgan County Heritage Day in McConnelsville. The celebration was created by the Morgan County Convention and Visitors Bureau to encourage unity within the community and an appreciation of the rich heritage of Morgan County.

The day-long festival will feature not only your standard fair food vendors and general fall-time community festivities, but collaborations with local organizations such as the Morgan County Community of the Arts, which will bring everything from blacksmith demonstrations to live music to the event.

A young girl enjoys the festivities at last year's Morgan County Heritage Festival in McConnellsville. (Submitted)
A young girl enjoys the festivities at last year’s Morgan County Heritage Festival in McConnelsville. (Submitted)

Shayna Roberts, the AmeriCorps member for the Morgan County Convention and Visitors Bureau, said that perhaps one of the most unique aspects of the festival will be the “living history” characters – acted out by the Morgan County High School Drama Club.

One of the most notable characters will be MacDonald Birch – the noted magician from the early 20th century who lived in McConnelsville between traveling the country with his two-hour magic show. The Twin City Opera House in McConnelsville has an auditorium named after Birch.

Magician MacDonald Birch from McConnelsville. (operahouseinc.com)
Magician MacDonald Birch from McConnelsville performing in the early part of the 20th century. (operahouseinc.com)

“We also have a lot of Birch’s memorabilia here at the historical society, including his wife’s costumes,” said Roberts, who said that the historical society will be open throughout the festival.

“We really want to celebrate this area, so we’ll have a lot of foods that are historically associated with Morgan County, like beans and cornbread and soup and apples,” said Roberts.

An apple cider press shoots out fresh apple cider at last year's Morgan County Heritage Day. (Submitted)
An apple cider press shoots out fresh apple cider at last year’s Morgan County Heritage Day. (Submitted)

Some of the other activities planned for the day include chalk drawing, live performances by Max Factor & the Ukeladies and Beka Brumbaugh.

“It’s a lot of fun, and I would recommend that if you’re thinking about coming out, don’t hesitate,” said Roberts. “There will be something to do for everyone in the family.”